ALLERGY TO COSMETICS: AVOIDING TROUBLE
If you are exceptionally sensitive, you may not be able to wear even low-allergen products. You may have to avoid toiletries and cosmetics altogether. It can be very difficult to have to give up something that is a source of self-esteem or pleasure, and can be a hard decision. On the other hand, total abstinence may be your only route to being well.
If you know you react to skincare products, have done all you can to avoid things yourself, yet are still having problems, the source may well be other people’s products. You can react to these by inhaling them, or by contact with them. This can be a real problem at work, or in public places where people gather – such as pubs, shops, cinemas and clubs. If you feel ill after a sports activity, it may well be because of other people’s bodycare products.
Eczema or asthma in babies and children can often be caused by products that parents or siblings wear, or those worn by a childmin-der, babysitter or relative caring for them, classmates at school, or teachers. Teenagers’ problems could perhaps be caused by a boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s toiletries.
Dealing with other people’s products is a tricky area. Within the family, you may have to negotiate and agree that everyone wears products that the person with allergies or sensitivity can tolerate, at least within the home. With a childminder or relative carer, you may have to agree on products they can wear. At work or school, you may be able to negotiate so that people close to you or your child use less of the things that upset you, or use products that are tolerable.
If your work involves considerable exposure to things that upset you, it may not be possible for you to continue with it. Most situations will be beyond your control and you will have to find ways of minimising your exposure.
If you go to the barber’s or hairdresser’s, go at a time when the place is relatively empty and free of substances first thing in the morning, or early in the week. Take your own products if necessary. Or get a hairdresser to come to your home.
At a cinema, theatre or concert, sit at the end of a row or at the back or front, so that you are not totally surrounded by other people. Arrive as late as you can.
Ask people coming to your home not to wear perfumes, aftershave, hair gels or sprays or other perfumed products.
Carry a handkerchief or scarf with you. Place over your nose and breathe through it if you have to go into places where perfume and cosmetic smells are intense.
In pubs, clubs or at parties try to move near a door, windows or fan ventilation so that you are breathing cleaner air.
*341\117\8*
Say something
You must be logged in to leave a comment.